Lomibao's grandnephew shot dead by cop

A grandnephew of former Philippine National Police chief General Arturo Lomibao died after he was accidentally shot by a policeman who responded to a brawl involving the victim’s group in Quezon City at past midnight yesterday.

Hector Allan Lomibao Sarmiento, 24, died due to a gunshot wound he sustained in the face. Sarmiento’s mother is a niece of the former PNP chief, said Superintendent Marcelino Pedrozo Jr., chief of the homicide investigation section of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD).

Sarmiento’s companions, Victor Rodillas and Marlon Sanchez, were hit in the nape and the left leg, respectively.

Police Officer 3 Melanio Donato of the QCPD-Station 7 said his service firearm went off when Sarmiento’s group ganged up on him after he responded to the brawl.

He showed a black eye he sustained as a result of the incident that happened at a bar in front of a Buddhist temple in Barangay Kaunlaran, Cubao at past 1 a.m. yesterday.

Pedrozo said that as of early yesterday afternoon, both parties were set to file countercharges against each other.

“A case of homicide for the death of General Lomibao’s grandchild and frustrated homicide for the two injured persons will be filed against PO3 Donato,” Pedrozo said in an interview.

“Meanwhile, direct assault (of a person in authority) and obstruction in the apprehension of a criminal offender will be filed against the two who were injured by Donato but survived the shooting,” he added.

According to Donato, who is detailed at the village hall of Barangay Kaunlaran, they received a call about a brawl at the bar.

Case investigator PO3 Joseph Diño said when Donato and village watchmen arrived at the scene, Sarmiento allegedly became unruly as Donato was trying to handcuff him.

According to the police report, Sarmiento then grabbed Donato’s service firearm while Rodillas and Sanchez ganged up on the policeman in an effort to help Sarmiento.

It was at this point that Sarmiento’s service firearm went off, hitting Sarmiento, Rodillas and Sanchez.

Sarmiento died on the spot, while Rodillas and Sanchez were rushed to the Quirino Memorial Medical Center for treatment.